She is presently breastfeeding a 26 month-old with hypocalcification of the
teeth and therefore at greater risk for cavities.
--------------------------
I don't have any resources for direct support, but do suggest that she be
provided with as much info on the hypocalcification issue as possible. My son
has some teeth that are hypocalcified and I have had to be bothered a great
deal by his pediatric dentists and orthodontist about breastfeeding him,
particularly at night. I was told that if I wanted to save my son's teeth, and
give him any opportunity to have a normal looking result once he is done with
his surgeries and treatments, then I would have to rinse his mouth out after
*every* feed, and only water be given to him in the evenings and at night after
3 months of age. These are rather common recommendations, apparently, the
potential difficulties are obvious.
BTW, I went ahead and let my son decide when he was done with night time
feedings, (he did slow them down by4 mos of age and pretty much completely
stopped them by 6 mos, but this was due, IMO to the fact that I was working
night shift) and did not give him water to drink until he was over 1 yr. old
and learning to drink from a cup on his own. My son has great teeth
(relatively speaking, of course) that are as healthy as they can be, no
cavities or worrisome areas whatsoever. I began dental care on him nearly from
birth, wiping his gums off with a cloth, then graduated to using a stimulator
(he was a bit orally defensive and we wanted to stop that) then when he began
getting teeth, we started using a baby size toothbrush every day. He now
brushes his teeth every day with no problem at all, it is just expected. I do
buy toothpaste that he likes the flavour of, but he will use regular mint
flavour as well.
Vickie (EDS II) and Gary Doug 4/26/95 (UCL&AR, Kidney Anomaly) Meg due 5-6/98
Join my email discussion list for parents of special needs children who believe
in an AP style of parenting, see my homepage for details.
You are also invited to join our new list dedicated to the discussion of
various media. Currently discussing _Reviving_Ophelia_ by Mary Pipher Ph.D.
V's Page: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Estates/8113/gentryvickie.html
G's Page: http://www.geocities.com/heartland/estates/8113
|